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A Dot: "I never really had myself down as the volunteering type"

I never really had myself down as the volunteering type. Between my early-morning radio show and regularly scheduled afternoon naps, I rarely find time for good deeds. And besides, outside of entertainment, my skill-set is pretty limited. I make a pretty mean ravioli and can recite most Disney movies word-for-word but neither of these talents are likely to be of any use to a charity.

That random thing you’re good at? Chances are, you can put it to good use.

But this is exactly where I discovered the magic of volunteering. Even one hour of your time could make a world of difference to someone else. And that random thing you’re good at? Chances are, you can put it to good use.

For me, it was talking. I can talk for England. I am the Beyoncé of chit-chat. And for so many people, simply having someone to talk to can change their day entirely.

I volunteered as a mentor at Body & Soul, a charity for families and young people living with HIV. I met a student who had carried the stigma of her mother’s HIV around with her for a decade. It was a secret she had kept so hidden that some of her closest friends didn’t even know. “I once told a friend about my mum’s HIV” she told me, “and they didn’t want to drink out of the cups at our house.”

We spoke for an hour and a half, about everything and nothing. For her it was an escape from the weight of ‘HIV’ and for me it was a fulfilling opportunity to simply make a new friend. And that is what Body & Soul do so well – they provide an environment where health status does not define you. They provide vulnerable people with an infrastructure of care - helping them to overcome the effects of their circumstances.

When I signed up as a mentor I had hoped to meet someone I could comfort and inspire. I never imagined I would meet someone that would end up inspiring me beyond measure.

'You don't have to do it on your own.' Discover Cece's Story.

Hear Cece explain how Children In Need helped her when she needed it most.

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